Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Badat
Recent studies have shown that a single shisha session is the same as smoking 200 cigarettes. (See report by World Health Organisation – WHO)
Tobacco based shisha is detrimental to health, addictive and is a means of wasting time and money.
“There’s a misconception that shisha is not as bad for you as cigarettes, because the tobacco is flavoured and passes through water first. But the carcinogens and nicotine are still there. So a regular shisha smoker can expect to be at risk to the similar health problems that cigarette smokers face, whether that’s respiratory, heart disease or cancer. As with any other tobacco product, I expect regular shisha smokers will find it addictive, to the point that they may need it every day.” (Dr Khalid Anis, Chairman of Niche Tobacco Advisory Group – NTAG)
Hence the use of such a substance that is detrimental to one’s health is considered prohibited or in the least makruh tahrimi (prohibitively disliked, meaning very close to haram) by majority jurists, especially when such substances are used in vain or leisure.
Destroying one’s health through such activities is against the imperatives of the pure religion of Islam.
“Do not put yourselves into destruction, and do good. Of course, Allah loves those who do good” (al Baqarah 2:195)
May Allah keep us pure, healthy and away from all harmful substances through His infinite mercy.
And Allah Knows Best
